To Permanent Representatives of member and observer States of the United Nations Human Rights
Council

Geneva, 23 February 2017

RE: Renewing the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and addressing
the need for accountability for past and on-going crimes under international law and human rights
violations in South Sudan

UNITED NATIONS (Oct. 5, 2016)—The United Nations needs to ensure transparency and accountability for the inadequate response of its peacekeepers during the July crisis in Juba, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) said in a report released today. For its part, the Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo, both to help protect civilians from further harm and in response to the national government’s obstruction of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

As armed conflict broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had to quickly transition from supporting the nascent nation to protecting civilians from harm. Over the last two years, government and opposition forces, as well as armed militias affiliated with them, have often deliberately targeted civilians, including through killings, sexual violence, abductions, the destruction of homes and crops, and the looting of cattle.